What is Glasgow famous for?

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland, and the third-largest city in the United Kingdom. It’s also one of Britain’s 32 unitary authorities, handling local government for Glasgow City Council. The city is very well-known for being one of the UK’s most important industrial centers, with a strong focus on fashion, retail and technology. It has probably the most famous symbol in Scotland, of all its symbols of course. Here are some of the amazing features of this city:

1. Architecture

The city is famous for its contributions to architectural styles, with the Glasgow School of Art being the most notable example. The wealth of the city’s merchants in the 18th century saw a shift towards neoclassical architecture with simple lines and grand imposing stately buildings. These include the colossal Municipal Chambers in George Square, designed by Alexander Greek Thomson.

2. The World Friendliest City

It became the UK’s first “World City of Friendship” in 2006. This ranked it ahead of cities like London, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris and Mumbai. The city has many social outreach initiatives to give back to the community; Glasgow Charity Mission is one of these.

3. Whisky

The world’s best known Scotch Whisky is made in the city. The city has an active whisky distilling industry, with several of its distilleries open to the public. The Maltman whisky bar on Sauchiehall Street, for example, welcomes visitors to sample some of the best-known scotch brands.

4. Historic Second City of The British Empire

The city is also known for its illustrious past, having been the second largest city in the British Empire (after London) until overtaken by London in 1834. It was the leading industrial and commercial centre of Scotland but slowly went into decline during the 19th century with manufacturing moving to England and Wales. Industries such as shipbuilding, engineering and locomotive construction were lost completely by this time.

5. Shipbuilding

The world’s first triple screw propeller driven ship, Pioneer, was built by William Denny and Brothers at Dumbarton on the River Clyde. The ship built for Isambard Kingdom Brunel was the largest and fastest ever to be built in the country and was launched and later wrecked in 1853. This came at a time when it was investing heavily in large ocean-going ships, setting it well ahead of other cities in Europe.

6. The Oldest Football Team

Although the oldest football team in Scotland is actually Hibernian, history shows that Glasgow Rangers Football Club was founded in 1872. The Ibrox stadium is the most famous of all Scottish football stadia and was opened in 1903. The club has won many honours from founding up until 2015 when they were relegated to the Scottish Championship.

7. The City of Famous Surgeons

It has a strong tradition of medicine. The oldest university in the city is the Glasgow School of Medicine, founded in 1451. It became part of the University of Glasgow on its foundation in 1900. The first person to be granted medical degrees in the city was John Yolkranz, on 4 December 1575. He was professor at St Mary’s University for 40 years, and published several medical textbooks.

8. First National City in the UK

It had more millionaires than any other city in the United Kingdom in 2000. This is because of the financial services industry, particularly the stock exchange and the Clydesdale Bank (now part of Lloyds Banking Group). The wealth of these two institutions has led to them becoming known as “the Rotten Row” and “Big Bang”. Sutherland Black Chartered Accountants is also based here.

9. The Old Firm

One of Scotland’s most famous and iconic football clubs, Rangers, is based in the city. The club was founded by Charles Green in 1872 and plays its home games at Ibrox Stadium. They became the first Scottish team to win the UEFA Champions League in 1992 and have won nine Scottish league titles since their foundation. However, they were relegated from the top tier of Scottish football after 51 years on 16 April 2012.

Conclusion

A survey in 2002 named Glasgow, along with Dublin and Derry, as one of the best places in the UK for a city break. Due to its diverse and ever-changing economy and nightlife in terms of shopping, entertainment and restaurants; it is almost impossible to see everything in one visit to this city. However, it is a very worthwhile place to visit.